ISLAMABAD: Biden administration is not happy with former US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for his running commentary on internal political matters of Pakistan as it has cautioned veteran diplomat, according to sources.

Sources familiar with development told  that though Khalilzad as retired diplomat is entitled to comment on any issue, US government felt his recent statements and remarks on Pakistan’s political situation could complicate already complex bilateral relationship. Khalilzad, who served as US Ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan and also was President Trump’s point man for Afghanistan has been active on Twitter in recent weeks, making comments on domestic political situation.

His comments are seen as in favour of embattled Imran Khan. But what alarmed Biden administration was his scathing criticism against Pakistani military leadership including Army Chief General Asim Munir. Sources said State Department conveyed its concerns to Khalilzad and advised him to observe caution in commenting on domestic political situation. Observers find it intriguing manner with which Khalilzad has been relentlessly commenting on political matters of Pakistan. Some of them found him more of PTI Supporter than former diplomat. Observers believe Khalilzad’s open support to Imran Khan may be linked to his past connection with PTI Chairman. There is also possibility that Khalilzad is giving statements in favour of Khan because of his party’s extensive lobbying in US through Pakistani Americans. That lobbying also played role when former US national security advisor and staunch Pakistan critic John Bolton criticised government for launching crackdown against PTI. Bolton warned that mistreatment with Imran Khan could undermine bilateral ties between two countries.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 30 2023

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